Salvador Joey

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Wayward Whisker, Summer Fun.

Danville Officer Who Shot Dachshund Fired

We're quite sure that you remember the story of 'Killer,' the 11-year-old, 12-pound, red smooth Dachshund who was shot and killed by Officer Murrill McLean in Danville, Virginia, about a month ago as he was attempting to serve a warrant next door to Killer's home.
The shooting sparked outrage amongst Dachshund and pet lovers nationwide, resulting in mass radio, print, and television news coverage, and a deluge of e-mails, phone calls, and letters to the Danville Police Department. The Department even received what it considered threats from some responders.
While Officer McLean was initially supported by the Danville Police, surprising news came yesterday that Danville police chief Philip Broadfoot, after closely reviewing the evidence, has terminated Officer McLean, and apologized to the Harper family, Killer's humans. Chief Broadfoot cites that the entire incident as an embarrassment to the Department, the city of Danville, and to him personally.

Here is the entire press release from Danville Police Department:

The shooting took place on June 8th at 100 Berman Drive when a dachshund attacked Officer Murrill McLean as he was attempting to serve a warrant. The supervisor who responded to the scene did an excellent job responding to the grief of the dog’s owners, but did not properly investigate the shooting and document the evidence. The supervisor accepted McLean’s account without a detailed demonstration or explanation of how the shooting took place. A proper investigation would have shown that where Officer McLean was standing during the attack would have provided him the time, distance and means necessary to consider other options before using his firearm.
On June 10th, Deputy Chief Tom Brown raised questions about the quality of the investigation and ordered more information and pictures. The new information and pictures simply supported the original documentation. After I returned to work from my vacation on the morning of Thursday, June 11th, I used the investigation file and a personal telephone interview with Officer McLean to make my decision that the shooting was regrettable but justified under department policy.
After hearing comments in the media about bloodstain evidence at the scene that was not documented in the investigation file, I went to Berman Drive and personally looked at the scene of the shooting. My observations immediately raised questions in my mind about how the shooting actually occurred. Officer McLean could not be questioned at that time because he was out of town. Once I was able to interview him in person on June 24th, I ordered a full-scale internal affairs investigation of the entire incident.
The internal affairs investigation is now complete. The investigation determined that while Officer McLean’s fear of rabies is well founded based on several personal life experiences, his reports of how the shooting occurred were misleading and factually inaccurate. Based on these reports and a thorough review of the physical evidence, I have determined that the shooting of the dachshund did not follow department policy and was not justified. The investigation also determined that several supervisors in his chain of command did not ensure the incident was properly investigated.
As a result of the investigation, Officer McLean has been terminated from employment and disciplinary proceedings have been initiated with the supervisors for violating department policy. Because this is now a personnel matter involving discipline, I cannot give more complete details. This entire matter has been an embarrassment to the Danville Police Department, the City of Danville, and to me personally. I apologize for our failure to respond to this situation appropriately. We can do better. In fact, we regularly investigate crimes and thoroughly document the evidence. I can only conclude that this incident was not treated as the serious matter it actually was, and that attitude resulted in an incomplete and faulty investigation.
I apologize to the Harper family for the loss of their pet and pledge to them that I will make changes in our operation to ensure that nothing like this happens again. No further comments will be made concerning this matter unless new information develops.

WHERE'S DAD?

WHERE'S DAD?
By RICHARD VINSON

"Mom."
I was trying to sleep, but Rusty wouldn't let me.
"Mom, I'm hungry."
"Yes, Rusty, I know. But we'll have to wait until someone comes home."
"But, Mom, why - -?"
"Now, now! Why don't we walk up to the little creek you like so well? Then maybe when we come back we'll have something."
If I didn't get his mind off food, he would start chewing on the rug, and that would get us both in trouble.
As we left the house he seemed to be awful quiet. After we had been walking for about ten minutes, he still hadn't said anything.
"Rusty, is something wrong?"
"I was just thinking."
"What about?"
"Well, it seems to me if Dad really loved us like you say, wouldn't he come around once in a while?"
This was getting to be hard. At least twice a month now we went through this. I knew a day would come when he wouldn't take my way of answering for an answer.
"Rusty, look at me."
"Yes, Mom?"
"Rusty, you know I love you."
"Yes."
"Then, believe me, your father too loves you. Even though he isn't here, you can be sure, wherever he is, he does."
Rusty was silent.
"I know it's hard on you, not having him here. But, son, please try to understand there are things you have to accept. As you get older, you will understand better."
I thought I might cheer him up by suggesting that we play hide-and-seek.
"Hey! I'll bet you can't find me. Close your eyes. No peeking."
I ran up the hill, slipped behind a clump of trees, and sat to wait. I waited and waited.
Something must be wrong, I thought. He had never before taken this long. He might be lost or hurt! I walked back to the spot where I left him. There he was, sitting in the grass, watching the water tumble over the rocks, with a forlorn look on his lost little face. I stood watching him. I didn't know what to say. I wanted so much to tell him about his father, but I couldn't. He just wouldn't understand.
"Rusty, Rusty, honey."
"Yes, Mom."
"Your birthday will be here soon. Have you been thinking about what you would like to do?"
"No, I've only been thinking about him(!) and wondering where he is."
I could see it was of no use. But if we went back to the house and found somebody there - -
"Come. I'll race you back to the house."
I had a little head start, but I slowed down, and Rusty was soon out of sight.
The sun was just touching the tree tops as I came into the yard, and the smell of food was welcome. By the time I got to the house Rusty already had his dish before him and I could hear me being whistled for.
As I looked over I could see Rusty with his face in his dish and his tail wagging. I knew that eventually, maybe, everything was going to be all right.
END

For The American Dachshund, April, 1969. Image by Joey and Maggie, original mid-century photo source unknown.

Those Special Dachshunds: Can Pepsi Come Too?

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How could you say no to that sweet face?

Sue from the UK writes:

Dear Joey and Maggie,

Thought you might like this photo of my wire-haired Dachshund puppy 'Pepsi.' I'm going on holiday soon and had started packing, I turned around and Pepsi had got into the case and seems very happy there! I think he wants to go on holiday too!

Thanks so much to Sue for sending in the great photo! Also check out Those Special Dachshunds: Meet Pepsi and Max!

Gone but not forgotten-

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CH ELENBUSCH JIMINY CRICKET MW
October 13, 1964 - December 6, 1969

4 Bests in Show all-breed
165 Bests of Variety
20 Group Firsts
80 Group Placings
3 Specialty Bests of Variety
Best Wirehair Westminster KC 1969
Top winning Miniature 1969
No. 6, all Dachshunds, January - September 1969

OUR SPECIAL THANKS TO EVERYONE-
the public who adored him
the judges who put up with him
Evonne, who handled him

and to the many wins which
made him the only Miniature
Wirehair in the history of the
breed to achieve this glory.

-Good Luck to the puppies he left behind-

Sheri-Bee's
Beverly and Sherry Snyder
Torrance, California

From the American Dachshund magazine, February 1970. We love that 70's fashion.

Dachshund Trapped Under House; Rescued by Good Samaritan Plumbers

Meet little red smooth 'Shorty,' and his humans Angel James and James White, who hail from Corsicana, Texas. Shorty found himself in trouble when the screen which covers the scuttle hole to go under the house pulled loose, and Shorty went in to investigate. His humans heard him barking and called the police to help, who suggested that the family call a plumber.
Enter Royal Flush Plumbing, who sent out 4 people to help, and spent 5 hours retrieving the wayward Dachshund from a 6-foot-deep hole. The Good Samaritan plumbers didn't charge a dime for their efforts. Read this heartwarming story at the Corsicana Daily Sun.

Oscar Mayer Dies at 95

Photo Source: CBS News

Thanks to our good pals 'Oscar' and 'Hans' for sending the link, and writing:

Dear Joey and Maggie,

What a sad day for Wiener fans! What Dachshund lover hasn't smiled at a sight or mention of the Wienermobile, or wished to be an Oscar Mayer Wiener?

We will be taking a moment of silence today in memory.

Oscar and Hans

It's a sad day indeed. Oscar G. Mayer, retired chairman of the Wisconsin-based meat processing company that bears his name, has died at the age of 95.
Mayer's wife, Geraldine, said he died of old age Monday age at Hospice Care in Fitchburg.
He was the third Oscar Mayer in the family that founded Oscar Mayer Foods, which was once the largest private employer in Madison. His grandfather, Oscar F. Mayer, died in 1955 and his father, Oscar G. Mayer Sr., died in 1965.
Mayer retired as chairman of the board in 1977 at age 62 soon after the company recorded its first $1 billion year. The company was later sold to General Foods and is now a business unit of Kraft.
Mayer's first wife, Rosalie, died in 1998. He married Geraldine Fitzpatrick in 1999.
Read more at The Cornell Daily Sun.
Our hearts go out to Mr. Mayer's family and friends, and all of the Dachshunds, especially those named Oscar and Mayer throughout the world. RIP.

Related: Wienermobile Stories



Oscar Mayer Wiener Commercial, 1965

News From the Motherland

Release The Hounds! Hunting horns kicked off the festivities in Delmenhorst, Germany, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Verein der Teckelfreunde, the Society of Teckel Friends. Several awards were given out, including one to Heino Tielking of Oldenburg in recognition of a 40-year membership in the club. Read all about it in a translated link at NWZonline.

Dackel vs. Teckel via wikipedia: In Germany, dachshunds are widely called Dackel (both singular and plural). To be classified as a full Teckel, these dogs must undergo blood tracking tests. Classically, any dog of Dackel heritage is given an official tattoo upon one ear. After suitable training, the dog must then follow a blood trail that is at least 48 hours old successfully to its conclusion. Once this is completed, another tattoo is marked on the other ear to denote full Teckel rank. Teckel, whether tattooed or not, are bred for hunting purposes, and they tend to be visibly larger in their chests than their Dackel counterparts, though marginally shorter in length.

The Teckel Itself is Stubborn and Idiosyncratic

The teckel itself is stubborn and idiosyncratic? Blasphemy! Must be a bad google translation from this German text: "Der Teckel an sich ist stur und eigenwillig." Source.

Attack of The Killer Wiener Dogs!!

There's nothing better. From youtuber twistersistersvideo: They look so innocent....but beware when you enter through their gate. They will take you down. They will smother you. And they will not stop.... it's the attack of the killer weiner dogs!

Florida Dachshund Benefits From SPCA and Local Elderly Services

Meet 3-year-old pretty black and tan longhair 'Scooby Doo' and his human, 74-year-old Evelyn Smith, who hail from Bartow, Florida. On a limited income and unable to drive, Mrs. Smith benefits from many local services for the elderly, and now Scooby Doo does too thanks to the SPCA and the Polk County Elderly Services. Excerpt from News Chief:

Through the Animeals Program, pet food collected by the SPCA is distributed through the Fellowship Dining and Nutrition Program, which includes congregate dining and home delivered meals. Pet owners who attend the Fellowship Dining, like Smith, are eligible to have food delivered to their home.
"Scooby Doo is precious to me. He's meant so much to me as a companion," said Smith, who has been alone since her husband died six years ago. "He's been such a blessing to me."

Read all about the program at News Chief. Scooby Doo says "Rats Roovy!"

PLAINT OF THE DACHSHUND

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PLAINT OF THE DACHSHUND
by BETH MILLIGAN
Originally published in the American Dachshund Magazine, August, 1970.

Missy calls me Heidi-
I'm human as can be-
Though some misguided persons
Still think I'm D-O-G!

I've even taught my Missy tricks-
She's smart - as you can see-
If I stand at the door, she's learned
To open it for me!

At dinner time, it's lots of fun
To sit and watch her face-
As she ignores my presence there
And stares out into space.

But when at last I catch her eye-
Down falls her citadel!
She can't resist that pleading act
That I put on so well.

And yet some think me canine!
How stupid can they get?
I've trained more humans to do tricks
Than they have dogs, I'll bet!

Though I speak People language
With a strange enunciation,
I always seem to get results-
And that's communication!

Words are not always needed-
Sometimes a glance will do;
So why this need for People talk
To prove I'm human, too?



Author's note:

My rhythm may be rocking
And my typing leave you cold!
But please don't judge me harshly-
I am only five years old.
HEIDI

1970 photo source unknown.
Related: Dachshund Poetry

Dachshund News Roundup!

Proving once again that there's nothing more American than baseball, hot dogs, apple pie, and Dachshunds, here's a Dachshund News Roundup on another beautiful summer day, July 6, 2009. Can we get a woof? Above, these red smooths, 'Ralph' and 'Moe,' wore their allegiance around their necks at the 77th annual Independence Day Parade in Clawson, Michigan on Saturday. Read all about the event at The Oakland Press.

Kisses! This red smooth aptly named 'Streak' holds nothing back for his human Cheyenne Turner, after he won the first heat of the Rusty Hylton Memorial Dachshund Derby Saturday afternoon during the Fayetteville Heritage Festival in West Virginia. Money raised from the event was donated to the Fay-ette County Sheriff’s Department K-9 unit. Read more about the Heritage Festival at The Register-Herald.

Check out the ears of this patriotic 3-time-champ in her weight division of the Kennywood Park Wiener 100 dog race! Yep, it's 4-year-old 'Sadie Lady,' one of the fastest dogs in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and her human Jade McLeery, 14. Read an entire article dedicated to Sadie at Pittsburgh Live.

And finally, remember 'Red Rocket,' the 3-legged-Dachshund who was found as a stray and being cared for thanks to the Magnum Fund at Heartland Animal Hospital in Bel Aire, Kansas? Well....great news! He's got a new home and a new blog. Keep up with all his adventures at the Red Rocket Report.

Have a great Monday.

Happy Independence Day!

Your Long and Short of it All hostess Maggie isn't so happy on this 4th of July though. She's getting multiple doses of this stuff. The windows are shut tight to keep out the noise, and Dad made some calming lavender spray from essential oils to spray around the house. Bring it on.

Be safe and have fun. Read tips to protect your Dachshund today at The Humane Society of the United States.

When Summertime Fun Leads to Aching Ear Infections

Personally, we're not big fans of water sports unless we're really hot and like to cool down. We know that some of you Dachshunds LOVE the water though, and as a veterinarian at Cayman Net News notes: constantly wet ears can predispose frequent swimmers to painful ear infections. Here's an excerpt:

The medical term for an outer ear infection is otitis externa. Excessive moisture, warmth and wax, can create a favourable environment for microorganisms such as yeast and bacteria, to overpopulate in the ear. The ear can then become red, inflamed, swollen and sore.
Owners may notice their dogs scratching or constantly shaking their heads. Often there will be a foul discharge exuding from the ear canal. If left untreated, the infection will progress to infect the middle or inner ear canals, leading to a serious medical problem.

While you'd think the super photo above which accompanies the article would be from the beautiful Cayman Islands, it's actually from Tokyo! Read all about dogs and ear infections at the Cayman Net News.

Mark Your Calendars: The 2009 Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals at Los Alamitos Race Course!

Which promo is your favorite?

The 2009 Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals are set for Saturday, July 18 starting at approximately 6 p.m. Enjoy a great night of Wiener Dog racing in Cypress, California, at Los Alamitos Race Course! It's the biggest little race in the world! Saturday, July 18. It's a good day to the a wiener dog!

Don't miss all the really great stories in our Los Alamitos racing coverage!

Dachshund Lover, Indeed

Photo Credit: George Hesselberg, Wisconsin State Journal

Meet Douglas Pedersen, who hails from Limestone, Pennsylvania, and some of his Dachshund Crew of 12 (twelve!) which includes Duke, Max, Tiffany, Delilah, Merry Noel, Dazzle, Rosemary, Basil, Archie, Solo, Amanda Lee and Mint Cream, aged 4 to 18. Mr. Pedersen has been rescuing Dachshunds for decades, almost as long as he has been camping in his Airstream luxury recreation vehicle. You can probably meet him and his crew this Saturday at an Airstream Rally open house in Madison, Wisconsin. Read all about it at the Wisconsin State Journal. What a fun life these beautiful dogs live traveling all over the country with their master. Thanks so much to Diane D. for sending in this story!

Vintage Dachshund Relaxation

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Some things never change....thankfully.

Vintage 1930's photo source unknown.

Dachshund Kisses

Thanks to Lucy Dog Designs for sending in the link to this little gem of a pair of hugely popular Dachshund salt and pepper shakers: A tiny magnet holds these two dachshund hounds in a big smooch. What a cute pair they make with their lips locked together! And as every dachshund-lover knows, these lively playful pooches may be a little stubborn but they are always there for you in a pinch. (...of salt that is!).

Priced as low as $9.99 on the net.

get low

Get Low. Get Long and Low. Various designs of this t-shirt are available on the net; this one is available in 8 different colors at NOISEBOT: If you can't get high, get low. Guys tees are 100% cotton, regular fit, true to size. Girls tees are 100% cotton, sizes run small. Kids tees are 100% cotton, regular youth fit. $16.95